Acrylic paint skins are dried patches of paint which can be used to construct an image. Akin to collage, each skin can be placed on a surface to construct a new image.

My work in progress is not purely constructed of paint skins, but I have used them to add depth to the river at the bottom of the waterfall. These are the aqua and turquoise swirls along the bottom of the painting. I may add more higher up, but I’m still thinking it through.

Creating Acrylic Paint Skins

There are many approaches to making acrylic paint skins. You can use cling wrap and paint specifically shaped paint patches. Some people use flow acrylics, others mix paint and mediums together. It depends on what you are trying to create.

I’m just starting to experiment with acrylic paint skins, so my approach is simple. When I paint, I use a smooth, non stick paint palette. I allow left-over paint to dry, then peel the patches off. Because I’m only starting to use them, I’ve just kept them aside until there are enough to work with. If I decide to do a complete work with acrylic paint skins, I will probably try painting shapes on cling wrap.

‘Waterfall’ – A Work In Progress

I’m enjoying the contrast between the translucent brush strokes and the opaque paint skins. My next decisions relate to the falling water, and the water vapour in the background. I need to consider the shapes of the rocks and the gullies and decide how to approach the rest of the work. I’ll post it when it’s complete.

In the meantime, if you’d like to read more in the 100 Days of Art series, click here.